America's Basic Research: Prosperity Through Discovery

Abstract

This report focuses on basic research -- the experimental or theoretical work intended to advance science and engineering knowledge rather than develop a specific product or process. CED recommends policy reforms to ensure that tomorrow's basic research can be as productive and effective as possible. The recommendations address Congress' procedures for allocating funds for basic research, the central role of the research university and the individual scientific investigator, the critical importance of peer review, the need to sustain the pipeline of high-quality scientists and engineers for the long-term, and the implications of an increasingly global research enterprise.